Hydrophobic window, house and vehicle using the same

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a hydrophobic window. The hydrophobic window includes a frame; a glass embedded in the frame; and a hydrophobic film on a surface of the glass. The hydrophobic film comprises a flexible substrate and a hydrophobic layer. The flexible substrate comprises a flexible base and a patterned first bulge layer on a surface of the flexible base. The hydrophobic layer is on the surface of the patterned first bulge layer.

This application claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. § 119 fromChina Patent Application No. 201711432974.7, filed on Dec. 26, 2017, inthe China National Intellectual Property Administration, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference. This application isrelated to applications entitled, “A HYDROPHOBIC FILM”, filed ****(Atty. Docket No. US72414), “A HYDROPHOBIC WINDOW, A HOUSE AND A VEHICLEUSING THE SAME”, filed **** (Atty. Docket No. US72193), “A HYDROPHOBICMIRROR AND A VEHICLE USING THE SAME”, filed **** (Atty. Docket No.US72194), “A HYDROPHOBIC FILM), filed **** (Atty. Docket No. US72415),and “A HYDROPHOBIC MIRROR AND A VEHICLE USING THE SAME”, filed ****(Atty. Docket No. US72417).

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hydrophobic window, a house and avehicle using the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Hydrophobic structure has important applications in daily life, such aswindows, mirrors and so on. Existing hydrophobic windows are prepared byetching directly on the glass to form micro-structure andnano-structure, and the micro-structure and nano-structure make thesurface of the glass hydrophobic. When the hydrophobic property of thehydrophobic window is weakened or the micro-structure and nano-structureare damaged, it is often necessary to replace the glass. Replacing theglass may be time-consuming and costly.

What is needed, therefore, is a hydrophobic window with a replaceablehydrophobic film.

Therefore, there is room for improvement within the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a hydrophobic window.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, along a line II-II of FIG. 1, whereinFIG. 2 (A) corresponds to FIG. 1 (A), and FIG. 2 (B) corresponds to FIG.1 (B).

FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of one embodiment of a hydrophobicfilm with an adhesive layer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic process flowchart of one embodiment of a methodfor making a hydrophobic film.

FIG. 5 is a schematic process flowchart of one embodiment of a methodfor producing a template.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of a carbon nanotubecomposite structure in S132 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of a drawn carbonnanotube film of one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a SEM image of an untwisted carbon nanotube wire of oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a SEM image of a twisted carbon nanotube wire of oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a SEM image of a carbon nanotube composite structure of oneembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a SEM image of a single carbon nanotube coated with analumina (Al₂O₃) layer.

FIG. 12 is a SEM image of a hydrophobic film according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a performance test chart of the hydrophobic film according toFIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic process flowchart of another embodiment of amethod for making a hydrophobic film.

FIG. 16 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic process flowchart of another embodiment of amethod for making a hydrophobic film.

FIG. 19 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic film of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic section view of a hydrophobic window of anotherembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged view of portion XXIII of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a house using the hydrophobic film ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a vehicle using the hydrophobic window ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, andthe proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustratedetails and features. The description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “substantially” is defined to essentially conformingto the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantiallymodifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example,substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder,but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term“comprising” means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; itspecifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in aso-described combination, group, series and the like. It should be notedthat references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are notnecessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at leastone.

References will now be made to the drawings to describe, in detail,various embodiments of the present hydrophobic film, a method for makingthe same, and an application of the same.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a hydrophobic window 10 of one embodiment. Thehydrophobic window 10 comprises a window frame 11, a glass 12 embeddedin the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 14 on a surface of theglass 12. The hydrophobic film 14 comprises a flexible substrate 15 anda hydrophobic layer 17. The flexible substrate 15 comprises a flexiblebase 150 and a patterned first bulge layer 152 on the surface of theflexible base 150 away from the glass 12. The hydrophobic layer 17 is onthe surface of the patterned first bulge layer 152.

Referring to FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 2(A), the patterned first bulge layer152 can comprise a plurality of bumps 153 spaced from each other to forma two-dimensional array and defines a plurality of first grooves 156.Referring to FIG. 1(B) and FIG. 2(B), the patterned first bulge layer152 can comprise a plurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 intersected witheach other to form a net-like structure and defines a plurality of firstholes 157. The plurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 comprises aplurality of first strip-shaped bulges 1550 and a plurality of secondstrip-shaped bulges 1552. The plurality of first strip-shaped bulges1550 are substantially parallel with each other and extends along thefirst direction, and the plurality of second strip-shaped bulges 1552are substantially parallel with each other and extends along the seconddirection different from the first direction. The angle between thefirst direction and the second direction is greater than 0 degrees anless than or equal to 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle betweenthe first direction and the second direction is greater than 30 degrees.The first direction is defined as the ‘a’ direction and the seconddirection is defined as the ‘b’ direction. In one embodiment, theplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 are an intergrated structure. Theillustration of the embodiment will take FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 2(A) as anexample.

The hydrophobic film 14 can be applied to surfaces of the glass 12through an transparent adhesive layer 13. Therefore, the hydrohpobicfilm 14 can be replaced. When the hydrophobic film 14 is damaged, it maybe more economical to replace the hydrophobic film 14 instead ofreplacing the whole glass 12. Referring to FIG. 3, the hydrophobic film14 comprises a transparent adhesive layer 13 on the surface away fromthe flexible substrate 15 and a shielded layer 130 on the surface awayfrom the adhesive layer 13. Thus, the hydrophobic film 14 can be pastedonto the surface of the glass 12 after removing the shielded layer 130.In this way, setting up an adhesive layer on the surface of the glass 12temporarily can be avoided. It may be more convenient to store and carryby covering the adhesive layer 13 with the shielded layer 130.

The flexible substrate 15 is a flexible transparent film to make thehydrophobic film 14 have flexibility, so that the hydrophobic film 14can be attached to a curved surface. Specifically, the material of theflexible substrate 15 can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide(PI), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), orpolyethylene naphthalate (PEN), etc. In one embodiment, the material ofthe flexible substrate 15 is polyethylene terephthalate. A shape, a sizeand a thickness of the flexible substrate 15 are not limited and can beselected according to applications. In one embodiment, the shape of theflexible substrate 15 is a rectangle with the thickness ranging fromabout 600 nanometers to about 8 millimeters. In one embodiment, thethickness of the flexible substrate 15 ranges from about 800 nanometersto about 800 micrometers. In one embodiment, the thickness of theflexible substrate 15 ranges from about 60 micrometers to about 300micrometers.

The flexible base 150 and the plurality of bumps 153 are an intergratedstructure of a same material. The patterned first bulge layer 152 is onthe surface of the flexible base 150 away from the glass 12. A width ofthe each of the plurality of bumps 153 ranges from about 15 nanometersto about 800 nanometers. In one embodiment, the width of each of theplurality of bumps 153 ranges from about 30 nanometers to about 400nanometers. In one embodiment, the width of each of the plurality ofbumps 153 ranges from about 60 nanometers to about 200 nanometers. Aheight of each of the plurality of the bumps 153 ranges from about 75nanometers to about 800 nanometers. In one embodiment, the height ofeach of the plurality of the bumps 153 ranges from about 80 nanometersto about 450 nanometers. A spacing between the adjacent bumps 153 canrange from about 25 nanometers to about 600 nanometers. In oneembodiment, the spacing between the adjacent bumps 153 ranges from about30 nanometers to about 135 nanometers. Thus, the width of each of theplurality of first grooves 156 ranges from 25 nanometers to 600nanometers. The height of each of the plurality of first grooves 156ranges from about 80 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. In oneembodiment, the width of each of the plurality of first grooves 156ranges from about 40 nanometers to 80 nanometers. The height of each ofthe plurality of first grooves 156 ranges from about 120 nanometers toabout 300 nanometers. The spacing between the adjacent bumps 153 rangesfrom about 30 nanometers to about 80 nanometers. The structure of thepatterned first bulge layer 152 shown in FIG. 1(A) is complementary tothe structure of the pattern first bulge 152 shown in FIG. 1(B). Theplurality of first grooves 156 shown in FIG. 1(A) correspond to theplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 shown in FIG. 1(B). The pluralityof bumps 153 shown in FIG. 1(A) correspond to a plurality of first holes157 shown in FIG. 1(B).

The hydrophobic layer 17 is located on the surface of the patternedfirst bulge layer 152. The hydrophobic layer 17 may be a continuouslayer structure or a non-continuous layer structure. The hydrophobiclayer 17 can be a single layered structure or a multilayer layeredstructure. The hydrophobic layer 17 can be located on the surface of theplurality of bumps 153 and the surface of the plurality of first grooves156. The hydrophobic layer 17 is substantially uniformly deposited onthe surface of the plurality of bumps 153 and the surface of theplurality of first grooves 156. A thickness of the hydrophobic layer 17ranges from about 10 nanometers to about 180 nanometers. In oneembodiment, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer 17 ranges from about35 nanometers to about 150 nanometers. In one embodiment, the thicknessof the hydrophobic layer 17 ranges from about 60 nanometers to about 80nanometers. In one embodiment, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer 17is about 70 nanometers. A material of the hydrophobic layer 17 can beinsulating material or semiconductor material. The insulating materialcan be silicon dioxide or silicon nitride and so on. The semiconductormaterial can be gallium nitride or gallium arsenide and so on.

Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic process flow for preparing thehydrophobic film 14 of one embodiment comprises:

(S11), providing a hard substrate 21;

(S12), arranging a polymer layer pre-form 22 on the surface of the hardsubstrate 21, baking the polymer layer pre-form 22 to make the polymerlayer pre-form 22 being semi solid;

(S13), providing a template 23 comprising a nano-pattern, forming thepatterned first bulge layer 152 by attaching surfaces of a nano-patternof the template 23 to the polymer layer pre-form 22, then pressing thenano-pattern of the template 23 on to the surface of the polymer layerpre-form 22;

(S14), removing the template 23 to obtain the flexible substrate 15;

(S15), applying a hydrophobic layer 17 on the flexible substrate 15 withthe patterned first bulge layer 152.

In (S11), the hard substrate 21 supports the polymer layer pre-form 22.A dimension and a thickness of the hard substrate 21 can be selectedaccording to applications. In one embodiment, the thickness of the hardsubstrate 21 ranges from about 0.5 millimeter to about 1.2 millimeter.

In (S12), the polymer layer pre-form 22 can be imprinted at roomtemperature, and should have good structural stability and highimpression resolution. For example, the impression resolution of thepolymer layer pre-form 22 can be less than 10 nanometers. Material ofthe polymer layer pre-form 22 can be PMMA, PI, PDMS or other siliconeoligomers. The polymer layer pre-form 22 is water-soluble vitreous withgood mobility at room temperature, and become cross-linked afterdehydration.

The polymer layer pre-form 22 can be provided by spin coating or dropletcoating. A method for making the polymer layer pre-form 22 comprises:providing a PMMA solution; spin coating PMMA on the surface of the hardsubstrate 21, wherein a rotation speed can range of 500 rpm to 6000 rpm,and a time period can range from 0.5 minutes to 1.5 minutes; baking thePMMA at a low temperature to make the polymer layer pre-form 22semisolid. In one embodiment, the PMMA is baked at the temperature below50 degrees for 3 minutes to 5 minutes. The polymer layer pre-form 22 isformed on the surface of the hard substrate 21. A thickness of thepolymer layer pre-form 22 can range from 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters.In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymer layer pre-form 22 canrange from about 60 micrometers to 800 micrometers. In one embodiment,the thickness of the polymer layer pre-form 22 ranges from about 100micrometers to about 300 micrometers.

In (S13), the template 23 comprises a patterned third bulge layer 232.The patterned third bulge layer 232 can comprise a plurality ofstrip-shaped bulges intersected with each other to form a net-likestructure and define a plurality of third holes 234. A structure of theplurality of strip-shaped bulges is an intergrated structure. Materialof the template 23 can be hard materials such as nickel, silicon, orsilicon dioxide. In one embodiment, the material of the template 23 issilicon dioxide.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6 together, a schematic process flow for preparingthe template 23 of one embodiment includes: (S131), providing a base230;

(S132), providing a carbon nanotube structure 110, wherein the carbonnanotube structure 110 includes a plurality of carbon nanotubesintersected with each other and a plurality of openings 116 definedbetween the intersected carbon nanotubes;

(133), placing the carbon nanotube structure 110 on the surface 236 ofthe base 230, wherein parts of the surface 236 are exposed from theplurality of openings 116;

(134), forming the template 23 with the patterned third bulge layer 232by dry etching the base 230 wherein the carbon nanotube structure 110masks the base 230, wherein the patterned third bulge layer 232 includesa plurality of strip-shaped bulges;

(135), removing the carbon nanotube structure 110.

In (S131), material of the base 230 can be metal material, insulatingmaterial or semiconductor material. The metal material can be gold,aluminum, nickel, chromium, copper. The insulating material can besilicon dioxide or silicon nitride. The semiconductor material can besilicon, gallium nitride or gallium arsenide.

In (S132), the carbon nanotube structure 110 can be a pure carbonnanotube structure 111 or a carbon nanotube composite structure 112. Thepure carbon nanotube structure 111 means that the carbon nanotubestructure 110 consists of a plurality of carbon nanotubes and does notinclude other structural components. The carbon nanotube compositestructure 112 comprises a pure carbon nanotube structure 111 and aprotective layer 114 coated on the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 asshown in FIG. 6. The protective layer 114 is coated on surfaces of theplurality of carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the protective layer114 is coated on the surfaces of every carbon nanotube. The pure carbonnanotube structure 111 includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Theplurality of carbon nanotubes are orderly arranged to form an orderedcarbon nanotube structure and apertures are defined in the orderedcarbon nanotube structure. The plurality of apertures extend throughoutthe pure carbon nanotube structure 111 from the thickness direction. Theplurality of carbon nanotubes can be single-walled carbon nanotubes,double-walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Theplurality of the carbon nanotubes are parallel to a surface of the purecarbon nanotube structure 111. The surface is the largest surface of thecarbon nanotube structure 111 formed by arranging the plurality of carbonanotubes substantially parallel in the surface. A length and a diameterof the plurality of carbon nanotubes can be selected according to need.The diameter of the single-walled carbon nanotubes can range from about0.5 nanometers to about 10 nanometers. The diameter of the double-walledcarbon nanotubes ranges from about 1.0 nanometer to about 15 nanometers.The diameter of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes ranges from about 1.5nanometers to about 500 nanometers. The length of the carbon nanotubescan be greater than 50 micrometers. In one embodiment, the length of thecarbon nanotubes can range from about 200 micrometers to about 900micrometers.

The pure carbon nanotube structure 111 comprises a plurality of carbonnanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotubes are orderly arranged toform an ordered carbon nanotube structure and define a plurality ofapertures. The plurality of apertures can be a plurality of holesdefined by several adjacent carbon nanotubes intersected with each otheror a plurality of gaps defined by adjacent two substantially parallelarranged carbon nanotubes and extending along an axial direction of thecarbon nanotubes. The plurality of holes and the plurality of gaps canco-exist in the pure carbon nanotube structure 111. Hereafter, a size ofeach of the plurality of apertures is the diameter of the hole or awidth of the gap. The sizes of the apertures can be different. The sizesof the apertures can range from about 2 nanometers to about 500micrometers, or about 20 nanometers to about 60 micrometers, or about 80nanometers to about 5 micrometers, or about 200 nanometers to about 1.5micrometers. The sizes refer to the diameters of the holes or thedistances between the gaps in the width direction.

The plurality of carbon nanometers are orderly arranged to form anordered carbon nanotube structure. The plurality of carbon nanotubesextend along a direction substantially parallel to the surface of thepure carbon nanotube structure 111. The term ‘ordered carbon nanotubestructure’ includes, but is not limited to, a structure wherein theplurality of carbon nanotubes are arranged in a consistently systematicmanner, e.g., the plurality of carbon nanotubes are arrangedapproximately along the same direction. The plurality of carbonnanotubes are tightly connected by Van der Waals forces, so that thepure carbon nanotube structure 111 and the carbon nanotube compositestructure 112 are a free-standing structure. The term “free-standing”indicates that the carbon nanotube structure 110 can sustain a weight ofitself when it is hoisted a portion thereof without any significantdamage to its structural integrity. Thus, the carbon nanotube structure110 can be suspended by two supports space apart.

The pure carbon nanotube structure 111 comprises at least one carbonnanotube film, at least one carbon nanotube wire, or the combinationthereof. In one embodiment, the pure carbon nanotube structure 111comprises a single carbon nanotube film or two or more carbon nanotubefilms stacked together. Thus, the thickness of the carbon nanotubestructure 111 can be controlled by a number of the stacked carbonnanotube films. The carbon nanotube film includes a plurality ofuniformly distributed carbon nanotubes. The plurality of uniformlydistributed carbon nanotubes are arranged approximately along the samedirection. In one embodiment, the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 isformed by folding a single carbon nanotube wire. The carbon nanotubewire can be untwisted or twisted. In one embodiment, the pure carbonnanotube structure 111 can include a layer of parallel and spaced carbonnanotube wires. In another embodiment, a carbon nanotube structure 111is a net-like structure and formed by intersecting or weaving theplurality of carbon nanotube wires together. A distance between twoadjacent parallel and spaced carbon nanotube wires can range from about1 nanometer to about 0.5 micrometers. Gaps between two adjacentsubstantially parallel carbon nanotube wires are defined as theapertures. The sizes of the apertures can be controlled by controllingthe distances between two adjacent parallel and spaced carbon nanotubewires. The lengths of the gaps between two adjacent parallel carbonnanotube wires can be equal to the lengths of the carbon nanotube wires.It is understood that any carbon nanotube structure as described abovecan be used with all embodiments.

In one embodiment, the pure nanotube structure 111 includes at least onedrawn carbon nanotube film. The drawn carbon nanotube film can be drawnfrom a carbon nanotube array that is adapted to a film drawn therefrom.The drawn carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of successive andoriented carbon nanotubes joined end-to-end by van der Waals attractiveforce therebetween. The drawn carbon nanotube film is a free-standingstructure. Referring to FIG. 7, each of the drawn carbon nanotube filmsincludes a plurality of successively oriented carbon nanotube segmentsjoined end-to-end and side-by-side by van der Waals attractive forcetherebetween. Each of the carbon nanotube segments includes a pluralityof carbon nanotubes parallel to each other, and joined by van der Waalsattractive force therebetween. As can be seen in FIG. 7, some variationscan occur in the drawn carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotubes in thedrawn carbon nanotube film are oriented along a preferred orientation.The drawn carbon nanotube film can be treated with an organic solvent toincrease a mechanical strength and a toughness and to reduce acoefficient of friction of the drawn carbon nanotube film. Diameters ofcarbon nanotube segments can range from about 10 nanometers to 200nanometers. In one embodiment, the diameters of nanotube segments canrange from about 10 nanometers to 100 nanometers. The drawn carbonnanotube film defines apertures between adjacent carbon nanotubes. Theapertures extend throughout the drawn carbon nanotube film along thethickness direction thereof. The apertures can be micro pores or gaps.In one embodiment, the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 includes onedrawn carbon nanotube film. Gaps are defined between the adjacent carbonnanotube segments in the carbon nanotube film. Sizes of the gaps canrange from about 1 nanometer to 0.5 micrometers.

The pure carbon nanotube structure 111 can also include at least two ofthe drawn carbon nanotube films stacked together. In other embodiments,the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 can include two or more of thecarbon nanotube films which coplanar arranged. Additionally, when thecarbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are aligned along thepreferred orientation (e.g., the drawn carbon nanotube film), an anglecan exist between the preferred orientations of carbon nanotubes films,whether the carbon nanotube films are stacked or arranged side-by-side.Adjacent carbon nanotube films can be joined by the van der Waalsattractive force therebetween. An angle between the aligned directionsof the carbon nanotubes in two adjacent carbon nanotube films can rangefrom about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. When the angle between thealigned directions of the carbon nanotubes in adjacent stacked drawncarbon nanotube films is larger than 0 degrees, a plurality of micropores are defined by the pure carbon nanotube structure 111. In oneembodiment, the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 has the aligneddirections of the carbon nanotubes between adjacent stacked drawn carbonnanotube films at 90 degrees. Diameters of the micro pores can rangefrom about 1 nanometer to about 0.5 micrometers. The thickness of thepure carbon nanotube structure 111 can range from about 0.01 micrometersto about 100 micrometers. Stacking the carbon nanotube films will alsoadd to the structural integrity of the pure carbon nanotube structure111.

The carbon nanotube wire can be untwisted or twisted. Treating the drawncarbon nanotube film with a volatile organic solvent can form theuntwisted carbon nanotube wire. Specifically, the organic solvent isapplied to soak the entire surface of the drawn carbon nanotube film.During the soaking, adjacent parallel carbon nanotubes in the drawncarbon nanotube film will bundle together, due to surface tensions ofthe organic solvent as it volatilizes, and thus, the drawn carbonnanotube film will shrunk into an untwisted carbon nanotube wire.Referring to FIG. 8, the untwisted carbon nanotube wire includes aplurality of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along the samedirection (i.e., a direction along a length of the untwisted carbonnanotube wire). The carbon nanotubes are substantially parallel to theaxis of the untwisted carbon nanotube wire. More specifically, theuntwisted carbon nanotube wire includes a plurality of successive carbonnanotube segments joined end to end by van der Waals attractive forcetherebetween. Each of the carbon nanotube segments includes a pluralityof carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other, and joined byvan der Waals attractive force therebetween. The carbon nanotubesegments can vary in width, thickness, uniformity, and shape. The lengthof the untwisted carbon nanotube wire can be arbitrarily set asrequired. A diameter of the untwisted carbon nanotube wire ranges fromabout 0.5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers.

The twisted carbon nanotube wire can be formed by twisting a drawncarbon nanotube film by mechanical forces to turn the two ends of thedrawn carbon nanotube film in opposite directions. Referring to FIG. 9,the twisted carbon nanotube wire includes a plurality of carbonnanotubes helically oriented around an axial direction of the twistedcarbon nanotube wire. More specifically, the twisted carbon nanotubewire includes a plurality of successive carbon nanotube segments joinedend to end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. Each of thecarbon nanotube segments includes a plurality of carbon nanotubesparallel to each other, and joined by van der Waals attractive forcetherebetween. The length of the carbon nanotube wire can be set asrequired. A diameter of the twisted carbon nanotube wire can be fromabout 0.5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers. Further, the twistedcarbon nanotube wire can be treated with a volatile organic solventafter being twisted to bundle the adjacent paralleled carbon nanotubestogether. A specific surface area of the twisted carbon nanotube wirewill decrease, while a density and strength of the twisted carbonnanotube wire will increase.

The carbon nanotube composite structure 112 can be made by applying aprotective layer 114 on surfaces of the pure carbon nanotube structure111. In one embodiment, the pure carbon nanotube structure 111 caninclude two stacked drawn carbon nanotube films, wherein the stackeddrawn carbon nanotube films are vertically intersected. The pure carbonnanotube structure 111 can be suspended in a depositing chamber duringdeposition of the protective layer 114 so that two opposite surfaces ofthe pure carbon nanotube structure 111 are coated with the protectivelayer 114. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of carbonnanotubes is fully enclosed by the protective layer 114. In oneembodiment, the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 is placed on aframe so that a middle portion of the carbon nanotube compositestructure 112 is suspended through the through hole of the frame. Theframe can be any shape, such as a quadrilateral. The carbon nanotubecomposite structure 112 can also be suspended by a metal mesh or metalring.

The method of depositing the protective layer 114 can be physical vapordeposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layerdeposition (ALD), magnetron sputtering, or spraying.

The plurality of openings 116 are defined by the plurality of aperturesof the pure carbon nanotube structure 111. The plurality of openings 116of the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 and the plurality ofapertures of the pure carbon nanotube composite structure 111 may have asame shape but different in sizes. The sizes of the plurality ofopenings 116 of the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 are smallerthan those of the plurality of apertures because the protective layer114 is deposited in the plurality of apertures.

A thickness of the protective layer 114 ranges from about 5 nanometersto about 150 nanometers. In one embodiment, the thickness of theprotective layer 114 ranges from about 8 nanometers to about 45nanometers. If the thickness of the protective layer 114 is less than 5nanometers, the protective layer 114 cannot prevent the carbon nanotubesfrom being destroyed in following etching process. If the thickness ofthe protective layer 114 is greater than 150 nanometers, the pluralityof apertures may be fully filled by the protective layer 114 and theplurality of openings 116 cannot be obtained.

The material of the protective layer 114 can be metal, metal oxide,metal nitride, metal carbide, metal sulfide, silicon oxide, siliconnitride, or silicon carbide. The metal can be gold, nickel, titanium,iron, aluminum, titanium, chromium, or alloy thereof. The metal oxidecan be alumina, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, or hafnium oxide. Thematerial of the protective layer 114 is not limited above and can be anymaterial as long as the material can be deposited on the pure carbonnanotube structure 111, would not react with the carbon nanotubes andwould not be etched easily in following drying etching process. Theprotective layer 114 is combined with the carbon nanotube structure 111by van der Waals attractive force therebetween only.

As shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, an alumina layer of 5 nanometersthickness is deposited on two stacked drawn carbon nanotube films byelectron beam evaporation. As shown in FIG. 11, each of the carbonnanotubes is entirely coated by the alumina layer. The aligned directionof the carbon nanotubes between adjacent stacked drawn carbon nanotubefilms is 90 degrees.

In (S133), the carbon nanotube structure 110 can directly contact withthe surface 236 of the base 230 or suspended above the surface 236 ofthe base 230 by a support. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubestructure 110 is transferred on the surface 236 of the base 230 throughthe frame.

In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 isadopted. The placing the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 on thesurface 236 further comprises solvent treating the base 230 with thecarbon nanotube composite structure 112 thereon. Because air is trappedbetween the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 and the surface 236of the base 230, the solvent treating can exhaust the air and allow thecarbon nanotube composite structure 112 to be closely and firmly adheredon the surface 236 of the base 230. The solvent treating can be carriedout by applying a solvent to entire surface of the carbon nanotubecomposite structure 112 or immersing an entire base 230 with the carbonnanotube composite structure 112 in a solvent. The solvent can be wateror volatile organic solvent such as ethanol, methanol, acetone,dichloroethane, chloroform, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, theorganic solvent is ethanol.

In (S134), the dry etching can be plasma etching or reactive ion etching(ME). In one embodiment, the dry etching is performed by applying plasmaenergy on the entire or part surface of the surface 236 via a plasmadevice. A plasma gas can be an inert gas and/or etching gases, such asargon (Ar), helium (He), chlorine (Cl₂), hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂),fluorocarbon (CF₄), ammonia (NH₃), or air.

In one embodiment, the plasma gas is a mixture of chlorine and argon.The power of the plasma device can range from about 20 watts to about 70watts. A plasma flow of chlorine can range from about 5 standard cubiccentimeters per minutes (sccm) to about 20 sccm, such as 10 sccm. Aplasma flow of argon can range from about 15 sccm to about 40 sccm, suchas 25 sccm. When the plasma is produced in vacuum, a work pressure ofthe plasma can range from about 2 Pa to 10 Pa, such as 6 Pa. A timeperiod for plasma etching can range from about 10 seconds to about 400seconds, such as 20 seconds.

In the plasma etching process, the plasma gas would react with theexposed portion of the base 230 and would not react with the protectivelayer 114, or reaction between the plasma gas and the protective layer114 is much slower than reaction between the plasma gas and the base230. The selection relationship of the plasma gas, material of the base230 and material of the protective layer 114 is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Number Base Protective layer Plasma gas 1 Al SiO₂ Cl₂ or BCl₃ 2SiO₂ Al, Cr, Fe, Ti, Ni, or Au CF₄ 3 SiN_(x) Al, Cr, Fe, Ti, Ni, or AuCF₄ 4 GaN Al₂O₃ Cl₂ or Ar₂ 5 Au, Cr or Ni SiO₂ or SiN_(x) O₂ or Ar₂ 6 CuSiO₂ or SiN_(x) O₂ or BCl₃

In the etching process, the etching gas reacts with the base 230, butdoes not react with the protective layer 114 or react with theprotective layer 114 at a speed much less than that of the reactionbetween the etching gas and the base 230. Thus, the exposed portion ofthe base 230 would be etched gradually and the portion of the base 230that are shielded by the carbon nanotube composite structure 112 wouldnot be etched.

The patterned third bulge layer 232 and the carbon nanotube compositestructure 112 substantially have the same pattern. When the carbonnanotube structure 112 includes a plurality of intersected drawn carbonnanotube films, the patterned third bulge layer 232 includes a pluralityof strip-shaped bulges intersected with each other to form a net-likestructure.

The plurality of strip-shaped bulges of the patterned third bulge layer232 can have a width ranging from about 25 nanometers to about 600nanometers, a distance between the two adjacent strip-shaped bulges inwidth direction in a range from about 15 nanometers to about 800nanometers, and a height in a range from about 75 nanometers to about800 nanometers. In one embodiment, the plurality of strip-shaped bulgescan have a width in a range from about 30 nanometers to about 135nanometers, a distance in a range from about 30 nanometers to about 200nanometers, and a height in a range from about 80 nanometers to about400 nanometers. In other embodiment, the plurality of strip-shapedbulges can have a width in a range from about 30 nanometers to about 80nanometers, a distance in a range from about 40 nanometers to about 80nanometers, and a height in a range from about 120 nanometers to about300 nanometers.

After coating with the protective layer 114, the diameters of the carbonnanotubes are about tens of nanometers, and distances between adjacenttwo carbon nanotubes are about tens of nanometers. Thus, the widths anddistances of the plurality of bumps 153 are also tens of nanometers, andthe average diameter of the plurality of grooves 156 are also tens ofnanometers, as shown in FIG. 12. The density of the bumps 153 and thegrooves 156 would be increased. For example, when both the width anddistance of the plurality of bumps 153 are 25 nanometers, the number ofthe bumps 153 and the grooves 156 would be 40 within 1 micrometer. Theconventional photolithography method cannot make all the bumps 153 innano-scale and obtain this density due to the resolution limitation.Referring to FIG. 13, the hydrophobic property of the hydrophobic film.“W” refers to static contact angle, and “D” refers to dynamic scrollangle.

In (S135), the method of removing the carbon nanotube compositestructure 112 can be ultrasonic method, or adhesive tape peeling,oxidation. In one embodiment, the template 23 with the carbon nanotubecomposite structure 112 thereon is placed in an N-methyl pyrrolidonesolution and ultrasonic treating for several minutes.

The nanoscale patterns are formed on the surface of the polymer layerpre-form 22 to prepare the flexible substrate 15 with the nanoscalepatterns by nanoimprinting method. In detail, the polymer layer pre-form22 located on the hard substrate 21 is baked at low temperature to makethe polymer layer pre-form 22 semisolid. The surface with nanoscalepatterns of the template 23 is bonded to the polymer layer pre-form 22.When the template 23 is pressed, the degree of vacuum ranges between1×10⁻¹ to 1×10⁻⁵ bar and the pressure ranges between 2 Psi to 100 Psi,and the time of applying pressure ranges between 2 minutes to 30minutes. The state of polymer layer pre-form 22 after baking issemisolid with good mobility. The PMMA can flow spontaneously intochannels of the template 23 under pressure.

The flexible substrate 15 comprises a patterned first bulge layer 152.The patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises a plurality of bumps 153spaced from each other to form a two-dimensional array and define aplurality of first grooves 156. The shape, size and thickness of theflexible substrate 15 are corresponding to the plurality of third holes234 of the template 23. The patterned third bulge layer 232 of thetemplate 23 is presses into the inside of the polymer layer pre-form 22and the polymer layer pre-form 22 is deformed under the pressure to forma flexible substrate 15 having nanoscale patterns. The part of thepolymer layer pre-form 22 corresponding to the patterned third bulgelayer 232 is compressed to form the first grooves 156. The PMMA flowsinto the plurality of third holes 234 of the template 23 under pressure,and the patterned first bulge layer 152 is formed. In one embodiment,the width of each of the plurality of first grooves 156 ranges from 20nanometers to 200 nanometers. The width of each of the plurality ofbumps 153 ranges from 30 nanometers to 300 nanometers.

In (S14), the method for removing the template 23 is not limited, suchas mechanical removal and corrosion. What's more, the polymer layer 22is baked for 3-5 minutes in an oven having an internal temperature of120 degrees −180 degrees to form a flexible and complete flexiblesubstrate 15 after removing the template 23.

In (S15), the method of depositing the hydrophobic layer 17 can be ionbeam sputtering, atomic layer deposition, magnetron sputtering,evaporation and chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition.The hydrophobic layer 17 is deposited on the surface of bumps 153 andthe surface of the flexible substrate 15 between the adjacent bumps 153.The thickness of the hydrophobic layer 17 ranges from about 10nanometers to 180 nanometers. In one embodiment, the thickness of thehydrophobic layer 17 is 70 nanometers.

The hydrophobic film made by the method as disclosed has the followingcharacters. Firstly, the flexible substrate 15 makes the hydrophobicfilm 14 have flexibility. Secondly, the hydrophobic property of thehydrophobic will be outstandingly enhanced for the reason that the widthand distance of the plurality of strip-shaped bulges are tens ofnanometers. Thirdly, the carbon nanotube structure is used as a frame toprepare a mask layer, so that it is easy to make patterned bulge. Inaddition, the preparation method of the disclosure is simple, efficient,and easy to be industrialized.

Referring to FIG. 14, a hydrophobic window 20 of another embodiment isprovided. The hydrophobic window 20 comprises a window frame 11, a glass12 embedded in the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 24 on asurface of the glass 12. The hydrophobic film 24 comprises a flexiblesubstrate 15, a carbon nanotube structure 110 and a hydrophobic layer17. The flexible substrate 15 comprises a flexible base 150 and apatterned first bulge layer 152 on the surface of the flexible base 150away from the glass 12. The patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises aplurality of bumps 153 spaced from each other to form a two-dimensionalarray and defines a plurality of first grooves 156. The hydrophobiclayer 17 is located on the surface of the patterned first bulge layer152. The carbon nanotube structure 110 is arranged between the bottomsurface of the plurality of first grooves 156 and the hydrophobic layer17.

The hydrophobic window 20 is similar to the hydrophobic window 10 aboveexcept that the hydrophobic film 24 of the hydrophobic window 20 furthercomprises a carbon nanotube structure 110 is arranged between the bottomsurface of the plurality of first grooves 156 and the hydrophobic layer17. The carbon nanotube structure 110 can be a pure carbon nanotubestructure 111 or a carbon nanotube composite structure 112. In oneembodiment, the carbon nanotube structure 110 is a pure carbon nanotubestructure 111. The pure carbon nanotube structure 111 reacts with theetching gas during dry etching, but the etching rate is relatively slow.Almost every carbon nanometers of the carbon nanotube structure 110 arepartially embedded in the flexible substrate 15 and partially embeddedin the hydrophobic layer 17. A patterned second bulge layer 154 isformed at the corresponding position of the carbon nanotube structure110 on the bottom surface of the plurality of first grooves 156. Thecarbon nanotube structure 110 between the bottom surface of theplurality of first grooves 156 and the hydrophobic layer 17 can increasethe unevenness of the bottom surface of the plurality of first grooves156, thereby further improving the hydrophobic property of thehydrophobic film 24.

In another embodiment, the patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises aplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 intersected with each other to forma net-like structure and defines a plurality of first holes 157. Thecarbon nanotube structure 110 is arranged between the bottom surface ofthe plurality of first holes 157 and the hydrophobic layer 17. Thehydrophobic layer 17 is on the surface of the patterned first bulgelayer 152.

Referring to FIG. 15, a method for preparing the hydrophobic film 24 ofone embodiment includes the following steps:

(S21), providing a hard substrate 21;

(S22), arranging a polymer layer pre-form 22 on the surface of the hardsubstrate 21, baking the polymer layer pre-form 22 to make the polymerlayer pre-form 22 being semi solid;

(S23), providing a template 23, wherein the template 23 comprises apatterned third bulge layer 232 and a carbon nanotube structure 110 onthe top surface of the patterned third bulge layer 232, attaching thesurface with a nano-pattern of the template 23 to the polymer layerpre-form 22, then pressing the nano-pattern of the template 23 on to thesurface of the polymer layer pre-form 22 to form the patterned firstbulge layer 152;

(S24), removing the template 23 to obtain the flexible substrate 15 andleaving the carbon nanotube structure 110 on the surface of the flexiblesubstrate 15;

(S25), applying a hydrophobic layer 17 on the surface with the patternedfirst bulge layer 152 of the flexible substrate 15.

The method for preparing the hydrophobic film 24 is similar to themethod for preparing the hydrophobic film 14 except that the template 23of this embodiment further comprises a carbon nanotube structure 110 onthe top surface of the patterned third bulge layer 232. It is notnecessary to remove carbon nanotube structure 110 when preparing thetemplate 23.

In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube structure 110 is a pure carbonnanotube structure 111. The pure carbon nanotube structure 111 comprisesat least one carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film comprises aplurality of multi-walled carbon nanometers. The plurality ofmulti-walled carbon nanometers are orderly arranged to form an orderedcarbon nanotube structure and define a plurality of apertures. In theprocess of etching template 23, the multi-walled carbon nanometers aresimultaneously etched. The plurality of multi-wall carbon nanometersstill exists at the top surface of the patterned third bulge layer 232of the template 23 by controlling the etching time, and the diameter ofeach of the plurality of the multi-wall carbon nanometers is less thanthe width of the strip-shaped bulges in the patterned third bulge layer232. In other embodiment, the carbon nanotube film comprises a pluralityof twisted carbon nanotube wire intersected with each other to form anet-like structure.

Since the state of the polymer layer pre-form 22 is semi-solid and thepolymer layer pre-form 22 has viscosity, the binding force between thepolymer layer pre-form 22 and the carbon nanotube structure 110 isgreater than the binding force between the carbon nanotube structure 110and the template 23 in the process of pressing the template 23 into thepolymer layer pre-form 22. The carbon nanotube structure 110 on thesurface of the template 23 is transferred to the surface of the polymerlayer pre-form 22. Further more, due to the bonding force between thecarbon nanotube structure 110 and the template 23 during the pulling ofthe template 23, a portion of the carbon nanotube structure 110 in theradial direction is exposed and protrudes from surface of the polymerlayer pre-form 22. Thus, the carbon nanotube structure 110 is partiallyembedded in the flexible substrate 15, and partially embedded in thehydrophobic layer 17.

Referring to FIG. 16, a hydrophobic window 30 of another embodiment isprovided. The hydrophobic window 30 comprises a window frame 11, a glass12 embedded in the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 34 on asurface of the glass 12. The hydrophobic film 34 comprises a flexiblesubstrate 35 and a hydrophobic layer 37. The flexible substrate 35comprises a flexible base 350 and a patterned first bulge layer 152 onthe surface of the flexible base 350 away from the glass 12. Thepatterned first bulge layer 152 comprises a plurality of bumps 153spaced from each other to form a two-dimensional array and define aplurality of first grooves 156. The bottom surface of the plurality offirst grooves 156 of the hydrophobic film 34 comprises a plurality ofsecond grooves 158. The hydrophobic layer 37 is located on the surfaceof the patterned first bulge layer 152.

The hydrophobic window 30 is similar to the hydrophobic window 10 aboveexcept that the bottom of the plurality of first grooves 156 of thehydrophobic film 34 further comprises a plurality of second grooves 158.

In another embodiment, the patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises aplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 intersected with each other to forma net-like structure and defines a plurality of first holes 157. Thehydrophobic layer 37 is on the surface of the patterned first bulgelayer 152. The bottom surface of the plurality of first grooves 156 ofthe hydrophobic film 34 comprises a plurality of second holes. Thehydrophobic layer 37 is on the surface of the patterned first bulgelayer 152.

The method for preparing the hydrophobic film 34 is similar to themethod for preparing the hydrophobic film 24 except that in the step(S24), the carbon nanotube structure 110 is removed after the template23 is removed. The method for removing the carbon nanotube structure 110is not limited, such as ultrasonic method, tearing method, oxidationmethod and so on.

Referring to FIG. 17, a hydrophobic window 40 of another embodiment isprovided. The hydrophobic window 40 comprises a window frame 11, a glass12 embedded in the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 44 on asurface of the glass 12. The hydrophobic film 44 comprises a flexiblesubstrate 15, a carbon nanotube structure 110 and a hydrophobic layer17. The flexible substrate 15 comprises a flexible base 150 and apatterned first bulge layer 152 on the surface of the flexible base 150away from the glass 12. The patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises aplurality of bumps 153 spaced from each other to form a two-dimensionalarray and define a plurality of first grooves 156. The hydrophobic layer17 is located on the surface of the patterned first bulge layer 152. Thecarbon nanotube structure 110 is arranged between the surface of thepatterned first bulge layer 152 and the hydrophobic layer 17.

The hydrophobic window 40 is similar to the hydrophobic window 20 aboveexcept that the hydrophobic film 44 further comprises a carbon nanotubestructure 110 between the patterned first bulge layer 152 and thehydrophobic layer 17. The carbon nanotube structure 110 can be a purecarbon nanotube structure 111 or a carbon nanotube composite structure112. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube structure 110 is a purecarbon nanotube structure 111. The carbon nanotube structure 110 betweenthe bottom surface of the plurality of first grooves 156, the topsurface and the side surface of the patterned first bulge layer 152 andthe hydrophobic layer 17 can increase the unevenness of the bottomsurface of the plurality of first grooves 156 and the top surface andthe side surface of the patterned first bulge layer 152, thereby furtherimproving the hydrophobic property of the hydrophobic film 44.

In another embodiment, the patterned first bulge layer 152 comprises aplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 intersected with each other to forma net-like structure and defines a plurality of first holes 157. Thecarbon nanotube structure 110 is arranged between the bottom surface ofthe plurality of first holes 157, the top surface and the side surfaceof the patterned first bulge layer 152 and the hydrophobic layer 17. Thehydrophobic layer 17 is on the surface of the patterned first bulgelayer 152.

Referring to FIG. 18, a method for preparing the hydrophobic film 44 ofone embodiment includes the following steps:

(S41), providing a hard substrate 21,

(S42), arranging a polymer layer pre-form 22 on the surface of the hardsubstrate 21, baking the polymer layer pre-form 22 to make the polymerlayer pre-form 22 being semisolid;

(S43), providing a template 23, wherein the template 23 comprises apatterned third bulge layer 232 and defines a plurality of third holes234, placing a carbon nanotube structure 110 on the surface of thepatterned third bulge layer 232; and attaching the surface with anano-pattern of the template 23 to the polymer layer pre-form 22, thenpressing the nano-pattern of the template 23 on to the surface of thepolymer layer pre-form 22 to form a the patterned first bulge layer 152;

(S44), removing the template 23 to obtain the flexible substrate 15 andleaving the carbon nanotube structure 110 on the surface of the flexiblesubstrate 15;

(S45), applying a hydrophobic layer 17 on the surface with the patternedfirst bulge layer 152 of the flexible substrate 15.

The method for preparing the hydrophobic film 44 is similar to themethod for preparing the hydrophobic film 14 except that in the step(S43) further comprises the step of placing a carbon nanotube structure110 on the surface of the patterned third bulge layer 232. The methodfor arranging the carbon nanotube structure 110 on the surface of thepatterned third bulge layer 232 can be selected according to need. Inone embodiment, the step of placing the carbon nanotube structure 110 onthe surface of the patterned third bulge layer 232 further comprises astep of solvent treating the template 23 with the carbon nanotubestructure 110 thereon. Because there is air between the carbon nanotubestructure 110 and the surface of the template 23, the solvent treatingcan exhaust the air and allow the carbon nanotube structure 110 to beclosely and firmly adhered on the surface of the template 23. Thesolvent treating can be applying a solvent to entire surface of thecarbon nanotube structure 110 or immersing the entire template 23 withthe carbon nanotube structure 110 in a solvent. The solvent can be wateror volatile organic solvent such as ethanol, methanol, acetone,dichloroethane, chloroform, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, theorganic solvent is ethanol. In other embodiment, the carbon nanotubestructure 110 can also be placed on the surface of the polymer layerpre-form 22. Then the template 23 is pressed into the polymer layerpre-form 22.

Referring to FIG. 19, a hydrophobic window 50 of another embodiment isprovided. The hydrophobic window 50 comprises a window frame 11, a glass12 embedded in the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 54 on asurface of the glass 12. The hydrophobic film 54 comprises a flexiblesubstrate 55 and a hydrophobic layer 57. The flexible substrate 55comprises a flexible base 550 and a patterned first bulge layer 552 onthe surface of the flexible base 550 away from the glass 12. Thepatterned first bulge layer 552 comprises a plurality of bumps 153spaced from each other to form a two-dimensional array and define aplurality of first grooves 156. The top surface and the side surface ofthe patterned first bulge layer 552 and the bottom surface of theplurality of the first grooves 156 of the hydrophobic film 54 comprisesa plurality of second grooves 158. The hydrophobic layer 57 is on thesurface of the patterned first bulge layer 552.

The hydrophobic window 50 is similar to the hydrophobic window 10 aboveexcept that the top surface and the side surface of the patterned firstbulge layer 552 and the bottom surface of the plurality of the firstgrooves 156 of the hydrophobic film 54 comprises a plurality of secondgrooves 158.

In another embodiment, the patterned first bulge layer 552 comprises aplurality of strip-shaped bulges 155 intersected with each other to forma net-like structure and defines a plurality of first holes 157. Thehydrophobic layer 37 is located on the surface of the patterned firstholes 157. The top surface and the side surface of the plurality offirst holes 157 of the hydrophobic film 54 comprise a plurality ofsecond holes. The hydrophobic layer 57 is on the surface of thepatterned first bulge layer 552.

Referring to FIG. 20, a hydrophobic window 60 of another embodiment isprovided. The hydrophobic window 60 comprises a window frame 11, a glass12 embedded in the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 64 on asurface of the glass 12. The hydrophobic window 60 is similar to thehydrophobic window 10 above except that the hydrophobic window 60further comprises a third electrode 28 and a fourth electrode 29 spacedapart from each other and both on the glass 12. The hydrophobic film 64further comprises a heating layer 640, a first electrode 18 and a secondelectrode 19. The heating layer 640 is located on the surface of theflexible substrate 15 away from the hydrophobic layer 17. The firstelectrode 18 is spaced apart from the second electrode 19 to prevent ashort circuit of the electrodes. The first electrode 18 and the secondelectrode 19 are electrically connected to and in direct contact withthe heating layer 640. The first electrode 18 is also electricallyconnected to and in direct contact with the third electrode 28, and thesecond electrode 19 is also electrically connected to and in directcontact with the fourth electrode 29. The flexible substrate 15 and thehydrophobic layer 17 should have good thermal conductivity. The heatinglayer 640 can be a transparent conductive layer and can be made ofindium tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes and so on. In one embodiment,the heating layer 640 is a carbon nanotube film.

The first electrode 18, the second electrode 19, the third electrode 28,and the fourth electrode 29 should have good conductive properties. Thefirst electrode 18, the second electrode 19, the third electrode 28, andthe fourth electrode 29 can be conductive films, metal sheets, or metallines, and can be made of pure metals, metal alloys, indium tin oxide(ITO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), silver paste, conductive polymer, andmetallic carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof. The pure metals andmetal alloys can be aluminum, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, gold,titanium, neodymium, cesium, palladium, or combinations thereof. Theshape of the first electrode 18 or the second electrode 19 is notlimited and can be for example, lamellar, rod, wire, or block shaped. Inthe embodiment, the first electrode 18, the second electrode 19, thethird electrode 28, and the fourth electrode 29 are made of ITO, and areall transparent.

The first electrode 18 and the second electrode 19 can be electricallyattached to and fixed on the heating layer 640 by a conductive adhesive(not shown), such as silver adhesive. In some embodiments, the firstelectrode 18 and the second electrode 19 can be adhered directly to theheating layer 640 because carbon nanotube films have a large specificsurface area and are adhesive in nature. The third electrode 28, and thefourth electrode 29 are fixed on the glass 12. After the hydrophobicfilm 64 is removed from the glass 12, the first electrode 18 and thesecond electrode 19 are separated from the third electrode 28, and thefourth electrode 29. The third electrode 28 and the fourth electrode 29are retained on the surface of the glass 12.

In use, the third electrode 28 and the fourth electrode 29 areelectrically connected to a power source. The power source can be abattery located in a space defined by the window frame 11. The firstelectrode 18 is electrically connected to and in direct contact with thethird electrode 28, and the second electrode 19 is electricallyconnected to and in direct contact with the fourth electrode 29.Therefore, the carbon nanotube films have a current passing through andgenerate heat. Then, the heat is transmitted to the hydrophobic layer17. The water on the surface of the hydrophobic layer 17 will evaporate.Since the carbon nanotube films have good electrical conductivity,thermal stability and high efficiency of electro-thermal conversion, thehydrophobic film 64 have a high efficiency of electro-thermalconversion.

The hydrophobic window 60 can be applied to automobile window. Raindrops on the glass may affect the drivers in rainy days. The use of thehydrophobic window 60 can prevent the rain gathering by evaporating theraindrops on the glass quickly.

FIG. 21 shows a hydrophobic window 70 of another embodiment. Thehydrophobic window 70 comprises a window frame 11, a glass 12 embeddedin the window frame 11, and a hydrophobic film 74 on a surface of theglass 12. The hydrophobic window 70 further comprises a third electrode28 and a fourth electrode 29 spaced apart from each other and both onthe glass 12. The hydrophobic film 74 comprises a flexible substrate 75,a hydrophobic layer 17, a first electrode 18 and a second electrode 19.The hydrophobic layer 17 is located on a surface of the flexiblesubstrate 75. The flexible substrate 75 comprises a flexible base 750and a patterned first bulge layer 752 on a surface of the flexible base750. The patterned first bulge layer 752 comprises a plurality of bumps153 spaced from each other to form a two-dimensional array and define aplurality of first grooves 156. The hydrophobic layer 17 is located onthe surface of the patterned first bulge layer 752. The flexiblesubstrate 75 has electrical and thermal conductivity. The firstelectrode 18 and the second electrode 19 are spaced apart from eachother and both located on the surface of the flexible substrate 75 awayfrom the hydrophobic layer 17. The hydrophobic film 74 also comprises anadhesive layer 13 on the surface of the flexible substrate 75 away fromthe hydrophobic layer 17 and a shielded layer 130 on the surface of theadhesive layer 13 away from the flexible substrate 75. The firstelectrode 18 and the second electrode 19 are both electrically connectedto and in direct contact with the flexible substrate 75. The firstelectrode 18 is also electrically connected to and in direct contactwith the third electrode 28, and the second electrode 19 is alsoelectrically connected to and in direct contact with the fourthelectrode 29.

The hydrophobic window 70 is similar to the hydrophobic window 60 aboveexpect that the flexible substrate 75 of the hydrophobic film 74 haselectrical and thermal conductivity without the heating layer 640. Inone embodiment, the flexible substrate 75 comprises a polymer matrix 754and a carbon nanotube structure 756 dispersed therein. The carbonnanotube structure 756 comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubesoriented along preferred orientations in one or several directions. Inone embodiment, referring to FIG. 22, some of the plurality of carbonnanotubes are exposed from the polymer matrix 754 and in direct contactwith the third electrode 28 and the fourth electrode 29. “Some” meansthat the ends of the plurality of carbon nanotubes along the lengthdirection are exposed from the polymer matrix 754. The exposed carbonnanotubes are made by bending the ends of the carbon nanotubes which areoriented along preferred orientations in one direction. The exposedcarbon nanotubes act as the first electrode 18 and the second electrode19. Referring to FIG. 23, each carbon nanotube (CNT) has one endprotruding out of the polymer matrix 754 to form the first electrode 18.

FIG. 24 shows a house 100 using the hydrophobic window 10 of anotherembodiment. The house 100 comprises a house body 102 and the hydrophobicwindow 10 set in the house body 102.

FIG. 25 shows a vehicle 200 using the hydrophobic window 10 of anotherembodiment. The vehicle 200 comprises a vehicle body 202 and thehydrophobic window 10 set in the vehicle body 102.

The application of the hydrophobic window is not limited to vehicles.The hydrophobic window can be used in other applications such asbuilding windows or other surfaces where hydrophobicity is needed.

The hydrophobic film made by the method as disclosed has the followingcharacters. Firstly, the flexible substrate is a flexible transparentfilm to make the hydrophobic film have flexibility, so that thehydrophobic film can be attached to a curved surface. Secondly, thehydrophobic property of the hydrophobic will be outstandingly enhancedfor the reason that the width and distance of the plurality ofstrip-shaped bulges are tens of nanometers. Thirdly, the hydrophobicfilm can also generate heat by electrifying to eliminate ice, frost andrain.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate rather thanlimit the disclosure. Any elements described in accordance with anyembodiments is understood that they can be used in addition orsubstituted in other embodiments. Embodiments can also be used together.Variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from thespirit of the disclosure. The above-described embodiments illustrate thescope of the disclosure but do not restrict the scope of the disclosure.

Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps of methods describedmay be removed, others may be added, and the sequence of steps may bealtered. It is also to be understood that the description and the claimsdrawn to a method may include some indication in reference to certainsteps. However, the indication used is only to be viewed foridentification purposes and not as a suggestion as to an order for thesteps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydrophobic window, the hydrophobic windowcomprising: a window frame; a glass embedded in the window frame; and ahydrophobic film on a surface of the glass, wherein the hydrophobic filmcomprises: a flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substratecomprises a flexible base and a patterned first bulge layer on a surfaceof the flexible base; and a hydrophobic layer on a surface of thepatterned first bulge layer opposite to the flexible base.
 2. Thehydrophobic window of claim 1, wherein the patterned first bulge layercomprises a plurality of strip-shaped bulges intersected with each otherto form a net-like structure and a plurality of first holes are formedbetween the plurality of strip-shaped bulges.
 3. The hydrophobic windowof claim 2, wherein the plurality of strip-shaped bulges comprises aplurality of first strip-shaped bulges and a plurality of secondstrip-shaped bulges, the plurality of first strip-shaped bulges aresubstantially parallel with each other and extend along a firstdirection, and the plurality of second strip-shaped bulges aresubstantially parallel with each other and extend along a seconddirection different from the first direction.
 4. The hydrophobic windowof claim 3, wherein an angle between the first direction and the seconddirection is greater than 30 degrees and less than or equal to 90degrees.
 5. The hydrophobic window of claim 2, wherein each of theplurality of strip-shaped bulges has a width in a range from about 25nanometers to about 600 nanometers and a height in a range from about 75nanometers to about 800 nanometers, and a distance between adjacent twoof the plurality of strip-shaped bulges ranges from about 15 nanometersto about 800 nanometers.
 6. The hydrophobic window of claim 2, whereinthe hydrophobic film further comprises a carbon nanotube structurebetween the flexible substrate and the hydrophobic layer, and the carbonnanotube structure is arranged on bottom surfaces of the first holes. 7.The hydrophobic window of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic film furthercomprises a carbon nanotube structure between the flexible substrate andthe hydrophobic layer, and the carbon nanotube structure is arranged ontop surfaces and side surfaces of the patterned first bulge layer. 8.The hydrophobic film of claim 1, wherein the first patterned bulgecomprises a plurality of bumps spaced apart from each other to form atwo-dimensional array and a plurality of first grooves defined betweenthe plurality of bumps.
 9. The hydrophobic window of claim 8, whereinthe hydrophobic film further comprises a carbon nanotube structurebetween the flexible substrate and the hydrophobic layer, and the carbonnanotube structure is arranged on bottom surfaces of the first grooves.10. The hydrophobic window of claim 1, wherein the flexible base and thepatterned first bulge layer are an integrated structure, and a materialof the flexible base and the patterned first bulge layer is aninsulating material or a semiconductor material.
 11. The hydrophobicwindow of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic film further comprises anadhesive layer between the flexible substrate and the glass.
 12. Thehydrophobic window of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic film furthercomprises: a heating layer on a surface of the flexible substrate awayfrom the hydrophobic layer; a first electrode and a second electrodespaced apart from the first electrode, wherein the first electrode andthe second electrode are electrically connected to and in direct contactwith the heating layer, and the hydrophobic window comprises a thirdelectrode and a fourth electrode on the glass and spaced apart from eachother, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to and indirect contact with the third electrode, and the second electrode iselectrically connected to and in direct contact with the fourthelectrode.
 13. The hydrophobic window of claim 12, wherein the heatinglayer comprises an indium tin oxide layer or a carbon nanotube layer.14. The hydrophobic window of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic filmfurther comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apartfrom the first electrode, wherein the flexible substrate is electricallyand thermally conductive, and the first electrode and the secondelectrode are electrically connected to and in direct contact with theflexible substrate, and the hydrophobic window further comprises a thirdelectrode and a fourth electrode on the glass and spaced apart from eachother, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to and indirect contact with the third electrode, and the second electrode iselectrically connected to and in direct contact with the fourthelectrode.
 15. The hydrophobic window of claim 14, wherein the flexiblesubstrate comprises a polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube structuredispersed therein.
 16. A house comprising: a house body, and ahydrophobic window, wherein the hydrophobic window comprises: a windowframe; a glass embedded in the window frame; and a hydrophobic film on asurface of the glass, wherein the hydrophobic film comprises: a flexiblesubstrate, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a flexible base anda patterned first bulge layer on a surface of the flexible base; and ahydrophobic layer on a surface of the patterned first bulge layeropposite to the flexible base.
 17. The house of claim 16, wherein thehydrophobic film further comprises: a heating layer on the surface ofthe flexible substrate away from the hydrophobic layer; a firstelectrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode,wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are electricallyconnected to and in direct contact with the heating layer, and thehydrophobic window comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrodespaced apart from each other and located on the glass, wherein the firstelectrode is electrically connected to and in direct contact with thethird electrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected toand in direct contact with the fourth electrode.
 18. A vehiclecomprising: a vehicle body, and a hydrophobic window set in the vehiclebody, wherein the hydrophobic window comprises: a window frame; a glassembedded in the window frame; and a hydrophobic film on a surface of theglass, wherein the hydrophobic film comprises: a flexible substrate,wherein the flexible substrate comprises a flexible base and a patternedfirst bulge layer on a surface of the flexible base; and a hydrophobiclayer on a surface of the patterned first bulge layer opposite to theflexible base.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the hydrophobic filmfurther comprises: a heating layer on the surface of the flexiblesubstrate away from the hydrophobic layer; a first electrode and asecond electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein thefirst electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected toand in direct contact with the heating layer, and the hydrophobic windowfurther comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode on the glassand spaced apart from each other, wherein the first electrode iselectrically connected to and in direct contact with the thirdelectrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected to and indirect contact with the fourth electrode.
 20. The vehicle of claim 18,wherein the hydrophobic film further comprises: a first electrode and asecond electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein theflexible substrate is electrically and thermally conductive, and thefirst electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected toand in direct contact with the flexible substrate, and the hydrophobicwindow further comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode on theglass and spaced apart from each other, wherein the first electrode iselectrically connected to and in direct contact with the thirdelectrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected to and indirect contact with the fourth electrode.